Independence Primary again a national Blue Ribbon school

View full sizeKYLE LANZER/SUN NEWSJudith Schulz, left, retired principal of Independence Primary School, stands with current principal Cynthia Ipsaro in front of the 1994 Blue Ribbon School banner, after learning the school has earned the title again.

INDEPENDENCE -- Once again, Independence Primary School has been named a national Blue Ribbon school.

Former principal Judith Schulz received the official notification Oct. 1 from the U.S. Department of Education that the school has earned the prestigious designation for the second time. The school also was named a Blue Ribbon school in 1993-94.

She and current principal, Cynthia Ipsaro, will travel to Washington, D.C. Nov. 12-13 to receive the award.

“It is an exciting moment of pride for the whole community,” Schulz said. “It means the school has been able to sustain the excellence in student performance through the years.”

Schulz, who retired in July, was principal when the school started the process about a year ago by filing a lengthy application, which included curriculum, instructional methods, demographics and other information.

She said three noteworthy characteristics helped the district earn the distinction: “The commitment and dedication of the staff, the eagerness and excitement that our young people come to school with every day, and the partnership with our parent group and the linkages with the community.”

The school was named a finalist in January. Final approval hinged on the school’s performance on state tests. Those scores were released last week.

It is rare for a school to receive the designation a second time. Ipsaro has taught at the primary school for the 18 years since the last Blue Ribbon award. She thanked the staff, school board and administration for their support.

“It has been an incredible journey. It speaks of the longevity of the principal and the stability of the building,” she said. “I think we are very capable of doing it again in another 18 years.”

Schulz returned to the building Oct. 2 and was greeted exuberantly by the students and staff.

“It is a very special day,” she said. “It is a sense of bringing home the pride for the

The two friends will begin planning celebrations, including a community-wide ceremony, a luncheon or dinner for the staff, and a special day for the students. They are also looking forward to the trip to Washington.

“We will catch up with each other with no interruptions,” Ipsaro said. “I plan to pick her brain for ideas for moving forward at the Primary School, to see if she will give away any of her secrets.”

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